# Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome: A Transdiagnostic Predictor of Psychopathology Across Adolescence

> **NIH MH R01** · CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR · 2026 · $802,494

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS; previously termed sluggish cognitive tempo) is a set of behavioral
symptoms characterized by excessive daydreaming, slowed thinking, and mental confusion. Despite being
overlooked in psychopathology research for decades, it is now established that CDS symptoms (1) are distinct
from other psychopathology including ADHD and internalizing symptoms, (2) can be reliably measured, and (3)
increase across development. CDS is also associated with several significant areas of functional impairment
including internalizing symptoms, suicide risk, and interpersonal difficulties. As CDS research advances, there
is a need for developmentally-informed research that can advance theoretical models of CDS within broader
models of psychopathology. We propose that CDS may be an important yet understudied transdiagnostic
vulnerability to psychopathology that can inform models of heterotypic comorbidity while also being an
untested gateway to the development and rise of internalizing problems across adolescence. However, there is
a dearth of research examining CDS during adolescence, particularly with a longitudinal design. To address
this gap in the existing scientific evidence base, we recently recruited a large, diverse community sample
(N=341; ages 10-12 years) enriched for CDS symptoms to ensure the full range of CDS was represented.
Participants are assessed at three timepoints over a 2-year period (i.e., baseline, 1-year follow-up, 2-year
follow-up). Retention rates currently exceed 93%. Given its size and scope, this study comprises the most
rigorous CDS study to date. However, despite the ongoing study being the only CDS-specific longitudinal
sample in adolescence, it is limited to 3 timepoints over a 2-year period when the maximum age of participants
will be 14 years. We thus have a unique opportunity to leverage this large, highly unique sample by conducting
4 additional assessments which will result in a total of

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11222724
- **Project number:** 1R01MH138336-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Stephen P Becker
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** MH
- **Fiscal year:** 2026
- **Award amount:** $802,494
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2026-05-01T00:00:00 → 2031-04-30T00:00:00

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11222724

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11222724, Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome: A Transdiagnostic Predictor of Psychopathology Across Adolescence (1R01MH138336-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11222724. Licensed CC0.

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